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Magnificent Mediterranean

Imagine a land where turquoise waters lap gently against sun-warmed shores, salt-scented breezes
infuse the tepid night air and crumbling remnants from ancient worlds dot jagged sea cliffs.
This picturesque postcard come-to-life is the glorious Mediterranean region. Not only is this area
filled with awe-inspiring, natural beauty, but it possesses a diversity of cultures within the myriad
nations lining its sandy shores.

Let the radiant colors of the Mediterranean be your inspiration when selecting colors for your
home. From the shimmering blues of coastal waters to the vivid yellows and reds woven into
decorative textiles, the Mediterranean provides a profusion of options to guide your color choices
and evoke the exotic ambiance of the Mediterranean in your very own home.

Dreams of Mediterranean splendor come to life in this Italianate-style home. This classic
architecture, with its tall, narrow windows, arched features and low pitched roof, brings to mind
breathtaking villas clinging to the ruggedly scenic bluffs along Italy’s Mediterranean coastline.
The golden color of the stucco walls brings a glowing warmth to this home, as though kissed by the
rays of the setting sun. The solid, arched doorway, painted in a soft burnished brown, exemplifies
the grandeur of this home. Window trim in pure white adds a refreshing quality to the home while
the roof trim in a whispery-soft shade of off-white brings quiet emphasis to the roofline. Just as the
granite cliffs tower above the pristine beaches along the Italian coastline, the slate gray roof shown
here provides a majestic topper to this stately home.

The bustling coastal towns of Morocco are rife with outdoor markets, or souks according to the local
vernacular. From the hawking cries of street vendors to the scents of exotic spices emanating from the
countless food stalls that line the snaking alleyways, souks are a cacophony of sights, sounds and smells. But
perhaps most captivating of all is the kaleidoscopic array of handicrafts for sale. Morocco is a country bursting
with cultural and artistic beauty, and the local craftsmen strive to capture this indigenous beauty in their
wares. Skilled local artisans paint intricate geometric patterns on ceramic tiles, weave rich, vibrant hues into
beautiful textiles and forge the elaborate metalwork found on traditional hanging lamps.This stylish home has definite North African influences such as the curving scrollwork, the archway above the alcove, and the vibrant decorative accents. In the morning, sip a cup of steaming hot tea on the outdoor patio as you watch the
sun hit walls painted in a soft, honey-cream shade. The golden glow will reflect the ever-present hues of the
shifting sands that cover much of this magical desert nation.

For decades, the French Riviera has been known for its sophisticated splendor, understated opulence
and old-world charm. Cities such as Nice and Cannes perfectly capture the romantic feel of carefree
days spent lounging under the sun, followed by sultry evenings spent dancing into the night on
palm-fringed seaside terraces. Resembling a charming villa set on a hill overlooking the Cote d’Azur, with
its refined, suave colors and terracotta roof tiles, this home pulls together the unique design elements
that give it such an enchanting appeal. The delicate curve of the arched door is accented by the
bas-relief work above it, both painted in an elegant, deep blue-green. Set against a warm, mellifluous
golden wall, the front entrance brings to mind the grandeur and style of the south of France.

Surrounded by luscious fruit trees, golden sun and fresh air, whiling away an afternoon on a
Tuscan-style outdoor patio will make you feel as though you’ve been transported to the peaceful, rolling
hills of Northern Italy. Visions of olive trees flourishing on sunny hillsides, surrounded by grand,
centuries-old villas will come to mind as you quietly relax in your patio. With walls painted the color of a
sun-dappled field of wheat, it’s easy to lose yourself in such an Italian fantasy. This gorgeous outdoor
living room uses brick and terracotta to play up the neutral wall, while vibrant throw pillows and colorful
barware give the courtyard a festive feel. In Italy, life is a celebration, and this outdoor extension of your
home will make it a perfect place to do so.

The influences of Spanish, Moorish and Islamic cultures are exquisitely represented in the magnificent
Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. This vast historical and architectural wonderland boasts spindly
columns, arched arcades and light reflecting pools where kings and queens of old retreated to keep cool
on sizzling Spanish afternoons. This palatial jewel of Moorish Spain combines the best of Spanish,
Moorish and Islamic architecture and design. On a much smaller scale, this home with its rounded
center tower and the arches surrounding the entranceway and windows speak to its Moorish influence,
while the intricate brickwork and tile details evoke the artistic beauty prevalent in Spanish architecture.
The chalk-white walls reflect the sun’s dazzling rays and keep the interior cool, as they also set off the
deep verdant green of the window trim. Just as the unique intermixing of cultures added elements of
surprise and interest to the Alhambra Palace, so it has for this enchanting family home.

From European, North African and Middle Eastern influences, countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea represent an
extraordinary crossroads of culture and design. Whether you look to the seaside villas of France, the hills of Moorish
Spain or the deserts of North Africa, the Mediterranean boasts a beguiling quality that lures travelers back again and
again. Find inspiration from this fascinating mix of cultures and styles to bring your own personal flair to your home. Let
the diversity of Mediterranean culture combine to create your own unique place in the sun.

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